Transition metal mixed oxides as combustion catalysts: preparation, characterization and activity mechanisms

Sunlit photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant by NiCr2O4/Bi2S3/Cr2S3 tracheid skeleton nanocomposite: Mechanism, pathway, reactive sites, genotoxicity and byproduct toxicity evaluation

In this study, 3D C₂S₃ (CS) and 2D Bi₂S₃ (BS) modified NiCr₂O₄ nanocomposite (NCO-BS-CS NCs) was prepared by sonochemical assisted co-precipitation method for the enhanced photocatalytic activity. Here, NCO-BS-CS NCs showed band gap energy of 2.23 eV and the PL intensity of NCO-BS-CS NCs was lower than NCO, BS, and CS NPs. Thus, the results indicate the fabricated NCO-BS-CS NCs enhance the charge segregation and lower in recombination rate. NCO-BS-CS NCs showed enhanced photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) (95%) and congo red (CR) (99.7%) respectively. The total organic compound (TOC) analysis shows the complete mineralization of about 91 and 98% for MO and CR respectively. Furthermore, the Fukui function was used for the prediction of reactive sites in the photodegradation pathway of MO and CR by NCs. ECOSAR program was done to determine the toxicity of the intermediate and the results conclude that the degraded product shows nontoxic to the environmental organism (fish, daphnia, and algae). Thus, the fabricated NCO-BS-CS NCs can be used for the remediation of toxic organic pollutants from the waste water by photocatalytic degradation.

Dynamics of Reactive Oxygen Species on Cobalt-Containing Spinel Oxides in Cyclic CO Oxidation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be responsible for the high catalytic activity of transition metal oxides like Co3-xFexO4 in oxidation reactions, but the detailed influences of catalyst composition and morphology on the formation of these reactive oxygen species are not fully understood. In the presented study, Co3O4 spinels of different mesostructures, i.e., particle size, crystallinity, and specific surface area, are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and physisorption. The materials were tested in CO oxidation performed in consecutive runs and compared to a Co3-xFexO4 composition series with a similar mesostructure to study the effects of catalyst morphology and composition on ROS formation. In the first run, the CO conversion was observed to be dominated by the exposed surface area for the pure Co-spinels, while a negative effect of Fe content in the spinels was seen. In the following oxidation run, a U-shaped conversion curve was observed for materials with high surface area, which indicated the in situ formation of ROS on those materials that were responsible for the new activity at low temperature. This activation was not stable at the higher reaction temperature but was confirmed after temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO). However, no activation after the first run was observed for low-surface-area and highly crystalline materials, and the lowest surface-area material was not even activated after TPO. Among the catalyst series studied here, a correlation of small particle size and large surface area with the ability for ROS formation is presented, and the benefit of a nanoscaled catalyst is discussed. Despite the generally negative effect of Fe, the highest relative activation was observed at intermediate Fe contents suggesting that Fe may be involved in ROS formation.

Mechanochemically Prepared Co3O4-CeO2 Catalysts for Complete Benzene Oxidation

Considerable efforts to reduce the harmful emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been directed towards the development of highly active and economically viable catalytic materials for complete hydrocarbon oxidation. The present study is focused on the complete benzene oxidation as a probe reaction for VOCs abatement over Co3O4-CeO2 mixed oxides (20, 30, and 40 wt.% of ceria) synthesized by the more sustainable, in terms of less waste, less energy and less hazard, mechanochemical mixing of cerium hydroxide and cobalt hydroxycarbonate precursors. The catalysts were characterized by BET, powder XRD, H2-TPR, UV resonance Raman spectroscopy, and XPS techniques. The mixed oxides exhibited superior catalytic activity in comparison with Co3O4, thus, confirming the promotional role of ceria. The close interaction between Co3O4 and CeO2 phases, induced by mechanochemical treatment, led to strained Co3O4 and CeO2 surface structures. The most significant surface defectiveness was attained for 70 wt.% Co3O4-30 wt.% CeO2. A trend of the highest surface amount of Co3+, Ce3+ and adsorbed oxygen species was evidenced for the sample with this optimal composition. The catalyst exhibited the best performance and 100% benzene conversion was reached at 200 °C (relatively low temperature for noble metal-free oxide catalysts). The catalytic activity at 200 °C was stable without any products of incomplete benzene oxidation. The results showed promising catalytic properties for effective VOCs elimination over low-cost Co3O4-CeO2 mixed oxides synthesized by simple and eco-friendly mechanochemical mixing.

Complex Catalytic Materials Based on the Perovskite-Type Structure for Energy and Environmental Applications

This review paper focuses on perovskite-type materials as (photo)catalysts for energy and environmental applications. After a short introduction and the description of the structure of inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites, the methods of preparation of inorganic perovskites both as powders via chemical routes and as thin films via laser-based techniques are tackled with, for the first, an analysis of the influence of the preparation method on the specific surface area of the material obtained. Then, the (photo)catalytic applications of the perovskites in energy production either in the form of hydrogen via water photodecomposition or by methane combustion, and in the removal of organic pollutants from waste waters, are reviewed.

CuAlCe Oxides Issued from Layered Double Hydroxide Precursors for Ethanol and Toluene Total Oxidation

CuAlCe oxides were obtained from hydrotalcite-type precursors by coprecipitation using a M2+/M3+ ratio of 3. The collapse of the layered double hydroxide structure following the thermal treatment leads to the formation of mixed oxides (CuO and CeO2). The catalytic performance of the copper-based catalysts was evaluated in the total oxidation of two Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): ethanol and toluene. XRD, SEM Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX), H2-temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and XPS were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. A beneficial effect of combining cerium with CuAl-O oxides in terms of redox properties and the abatement of the mentioned VOCs was demonstrated. The sample with the highest content of Ce showed the best catalytic properties, which were mainly related to the improvement of the reducibility of the copper species and their good dispersion on the surface. The presence of a synergetic effect between the copper and cerium elements was also highlighted.

On the Activity and Selectivity of CoAl and CoAlCe Mixed Oxides in Formaldehyde Production from Pulp Mill Emissions

Contaminated methanol has very good potential for being utilized in formaldehyde production instead of its destructive abatement. The activities, selectivities and stabilities of cobalt–alumina and cobalt–alumina–ceria catalysts prepared by the hydrotalcite-method were investigated in formaldehyde production from emissions of methanol and methanethiol. Catalysts were thoroughly characterized and the relationships between the characterization results and the catalytic performances were drawn. The preparation method used led to the formation of spinel-type structures in the form of Co2AlO4 based on x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Ceria seems to be present as CeO2, even though interaction with alumina is possible in the fresh catalyst. The same structure is maintained after pelletizing the cobalt–alumina–ceria catalyst. The cobalt–alumina–ceria catalyst was slightly better in formaldehyde production, probably due to lower redox temperatures and higher amounts of acidity and basicity. Methanol conversion is negatively affected by the presence of methanethiol; however, formaldehyde yields are improved. The stability of the pelletized catalyst was promising based on a 16 h experiment. During the experiment, cobalt was oxidized (Co2+ → Co3+), cerium was reduced (Ce4+ → Ce3+) and sulfates were formed, especially on the outer surface of the pellet. These changes affected the low temperature performance of the catalyst; however, the formaldehyde yield was unchanged.

Topotactic Transformation of Solvated MgCr-LDH Nanosheets to Highly Efficient Porous MgO/MgCr2O4 Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution

The hybrid structure of nanoparticles (NPs) with nanosheets has the advantage of both anisotropic properties of NPs and large specific surface areas of nanosheets, which is desirable for many technological applications. In this study, MgCr₂O₄ spinel NPs decorated on highly porous MgO nanosheets forming MgO/MgCr₂ O₄( x) nanocomposites were synthesized by a one pot coprecipitation method followed by a heat treatment process of the solvated wet gel of MgCr-LDH with polar solvent N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at 400 °C. This novel synthetic methodology generates materials consisting of porous metal oxides nanosheets adhered with spinel phase NPs due to the slow generation of gases such as H₂O, CO₂, and NH₃ under moderate temperature during the heat treatment process. The synergistic effect of much wider band gap MgO nanosheets and narrow band gap MgCr₂O₄ NPs added increased stability due to the stronger bonding coordination of MgCr₂O₄ NPs with MgO nanosheets. The obtained MgO/MgCr₂ O₄( x) nanocomposites possess large specific surface areas, highly porous structure, and excellent interface between MgCr₂O₄ NPs and MgO nanosheets, which proved from N₂ sorption isotherm, TEM, HR-TEM study. With metallic ratio of MgCr3:1, MgO/MgCr₂O₄(MgCr3:1) nanocomposites exhibit highest H₂ evolution rate of 840 μmolg^-12h^-1, which was 2 times higher than that of pure MgCr₂O₄(420 μmolg^-12h^-1). The LSV measurement study of MgO/MgCr₂O₄ (MgCr3:1) nanocomposite shows an enhancement of light current density of 0.22 μA/cm² at potential bias of -1.1 V. The Mott-Schottky analysis suggested the band edge positions of the n-type constituents and formation of n-n type heterojunctions in MgO/MgCr₂O₄ (MgCr3:1) nanocomposite, which facilitates the flow of charge carriers. The EIS and Bode phase plot of MgO/MgCr₂O₄ (MgCr3:1) nanocomposite signifies the lower interfacial charge transfer resistance and higher lifetime of electrons (2.7 ms) for enhanced H₂ production. Lastly, the enhanced photocatalytic H₂ production activity and long-term stability of MgO/MgCr₂O₄(MgCr3:1) could be attributed to maximum specific surface area, porous structure, close intimacy contact angle between two cubic phases of MgCr₂O₄ NPs and MgO nanosheets, abundant oxygen vacancies sites, reduced charge transfer resistance and suitable band edge potential to drive the thermodynamic energy for H₂ production. This work highlighted an effective strategy for the synthesis of cost-effective 2D porous heterojunctions nanocomposite photocatalyst for promising applications in the field of clean H₂ production utilizing abundant solar energy.

Ni–Co–O solid solution dispersed nanocrystalline Co3O4 as a highly active catalyst for low-temperature propane combustion

Highly active nanocrystalline Co₃O₄ dispersed on Ni–Co–O solid solution surface for propane combustion.

Nanofiller Presence Enhances Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Profile on Nanoparticles Released during Thermal Decomposition of Nano-enabled Thermoplastics: Potential Environmental Health Implications

Nano-enabled products are ultimately destined to reach end-of-life with an important fraction undergoing thermal degradation through waste incineration or accidental fires. Although previous studies have investigated the physicochemical properties of released lifecycle particulate matter (called LCPM) from thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics, critical questions about the effect of nanofiller on the chemical composition of LCPM still persist. Here, we investigate the potential nanofiller effects on the profiles of 16 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed on LCPM from thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics. We found that nanofiller presence in thermoplastics significantly enhances not only the total PAH concentration in LCPM but most importantly also the high molecular weight (HMW, 4-6 ring) PAHs that are considerably more toxic than the low molecular weight (LMW, 2-3 ring) PAHs. This nano-specific effect was also confirmed during in vitro cellular toxicological evaluation of LCPM for the case of polyurethane thermoplastic enabled with carbon nanotubes (PU-CNT). LCPM from PU-CNT shows significantly higher cytotoxicity compared to PU which could be attributed to its higher HMW PAH concentration. These findings are crucial and make the case that nanofiller presence in thermoplastics can significantly affect the physicochemical and toxicological properties of LCPM released during thermal decomposition.

A highly effective Ni-modified MnOx catalyst for total oxidation of propane: the promotional role of nickel oxide

Adding Ni (Ni/Mn of 0.2) into an MnO_x catalyst greatly enhanced its catalytic performance for propane total oxidation.

A highly-efficient La–MnOx catalyst for propane combustion: the promotional role of La and the effect of the preparation method

The La_0.4–MnO_x catalyst prepared by using the co-precipitation method exhibited excellent activity and thermal stability for propane deep oxidation.

Intrinsic catalytic properties of extruded clay honeycomb monolith toward complete oxidation of air pollutants

The present work highlights the intrinsic catalytic properties of extruded clay honeycomb monolith toward complete oxidation of various air pollutants namely CO, methane, propane, acetylene, propene, n-butene, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, acetone, dimethyl ether, benzene, toluene, o-xylene, monochlorobenzene and 1,2-dichlorobenzene. Total catalytic conversion was achieved for all tested compounds with different behaviors depending on pollutants' structural and chemical nature. The comparison of T50 values obtained from light-off curves allowed the establishment of the following reactivity sequence: ketone>alcohol>ether>CO>alkyne>aromatic>alkene>chlorinated aromatic>alkane. The intrinsic catalytic performances of the natural clay was ascribed to the implication of a quite complex mixture constituted by OH groups (Brønsted acids) and coordinately-unsaturated cations, such as Al(3+), Fe(3+) and Fe(2+) (Lewis acids). Hence, the combination of the clay's intrinsic catalytic performances and easier extrudability suggests a promissory potential for application in air pollution control.

Thermal evolution of cobalt deposits on Co3O4(111): atomically dispersed cobalt, two-dimensional CoO islands, and metallic Co nanoparticles

Cobalt deposition onto Co₃O₄(111) leads to formation of atomically dispersed cobalt species, which form ordered two-dimensional oxide islands upon annealing.

Co3O4Catalysts on CeO2-ZrO2Supports and Co3O4-CeO2Catalysts on Al2O3/SiO2Supports for the Oxidation of Propylene

Different compositions of Co3O4catalysts on CeO2-ZrO2solid solution (Ce0.9Zr0.1O2and Ce0.8Zr0.2O2) have been studied for the oxidation of propylene. The optional amount of Co3O4active phase on CeO2-ZrO2support of 30 wt% was found. The mixed Co3O4-CeO2-ZrO2with the same composition of the optimal supported ones showed approximately the same activity, which was not higher than the activity of the mixed Co3O4-CeO2catalyst. Catalytic activities of mixed Co3O4-CeO2with different loading contents supported on high surface area supports (Al2O3, SiO2) were then measured. The optimal composition of active phase was still 30 wt% but the minimum temperature of the highest activity increased to above 300°C due to the inert nature influence of the support.

TAP study of toluene total oxidation over a Co3O4/La-CeO2 catalyst with an application as a washcoat of cordierite honeycomb monoliths

The total oxidation of toluene was studied over a Co₃O₄/La-CeO₂ catalyst in a Temporal Analysis of Products (TAP) set-up in the temperature range 713 K to 873 K in the presence and absence of dioxygen.

Technologies for the removal of phenol from fluid streams: a short review of recent developments

The available technologies for the abatement of phenol from water and gaseous streams are briefly reviewed, and the recent advancements summarized. Separation technologies such as distillation, liquid-liquid extraction with different solvents, adsorption over activated carbons and polymeric and inorganic adsorbents, membrane pervaporation and membrane-solvent extraction, have been discussed. Destruction technologies such as non-catalytic, supercritical and catalytic wet air oxidation, ozonation, non-catalytic, catalytic and enzymatic peroxide wet oxidation, electrochemical and photocatalytic oxidation, supercritical wet gasification, destruction with electron discharges as well as biochemical treatments have been considered. As for the abatement of phenol from gases, condensation, absorption in liquids, adsorption on solids, membrane separation, thermal, catalytic, photocatalytic and biological oxidation have also been considered. The experimental conditions and the performances of the different techniques have been compared.